President Dr. Patrick Herminie, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 13th May, during which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet approved the Seychelles Law Commission’s Work Programme for 2026 which aims to review and modernise key laws to ensure they are aligned with the Constitution, current judicial practices, technological developments and international standards. The programme covers reforms to the Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, Legal Aid Act, Notaries Act, Civil Code of Seychelles Act, Legal Practitioners Act, and legislation relating to the Judiciary. The reforms aim to improve access to justice, strengthen human rights protections, modernise legal procedures, improve institutional efficiency, and address outdated provisions in existing laws.
Cabinet approved the proposed Digitalization Programme for the Judiciary of Seychelles which will include the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) and the Legal Information and Judicial Decision Publishing System (LexVue). The Programme forms part of Government’s efforts to modernize the justice system and improve access to judicial services. It will support the digital transformation of court operations through better case management, electronic filing, digitization of judicial records, improved publication of judgments and legislation, and stronger cybersecurity and data management systems.
Cabinet approved the proposed revisions to the Seed Capital Grant Scheme (SCGS) Policy. The amendments aim to strengthen the implementation, transparency and effectiveness of the Scheme to support start-ups and entrepreneurship development in Seychelles. The approved amendments include the introduction of a clear definition for youth beneficiaries, revised eligibility provisions, measures to address repeated applications by previous beneficiaries, greater flexibility in the evaluation and interview process for applicants, and the extension of the implementation period for approved projects in justified cases.
Cabinet approved the establishment of a Government Service Centre (GSC) as part of Government’s efforts to modernise public service delivery, improve accessibility to government services and strengthen the ease of doing business in Seychelles. The approved initiative will establish an integrated one-stop service centre providing both business-related and selected citizen-focused services through a combined physical and digital platform linked to the Ease of Doing Business Portal.
Cabinet approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Equality and Elles Foundation to support programmes aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy and strengthening assistance to teenage mothers in Seychelles. The approved partnership includes grant funding of SCR 600,000 for 2026 to support community awareness, life skills development, and targeted. Cabinet also endorsed key policy recommendations to address existing gaps in support systems for adolescents and teenage mothers.
Cabinet approved the development and implementation of a National Film Rebate Scheme in Seychelles. The Scheme aims to attract international and regional film productions, stimulate investment, create employment, and support the growth of the local creative industry. The Scheme is intended to position Seychelles as a competitive filming destination by offering incentives linked to local expenditure, while enhancing tourism promotion, skills transfer, and economic diversification. Cabinet further approved the establishment of a multi-sectoral Working Group to develop the necessary policy, legal, and operational framework for the Scheme’s implementation.
Cabinet approved the National Monuments Bill, 2026 aimed at modernising and strengthening Seychelles’ legal framework for the protection and management of national monuments. The Bill replaces the outdated 1980 Act and introduces enhanced governance of the National Monuments Board, comprehensive controls over archaeological and underwater heritage, a statutory duty of care to prevent neglect, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and provisions for adaptive reuse of heritage sites. Cabinet also endorsed the establishment of the Seychelles Heritage Incentive Scheme to support conservation efforts.
Cabinet approved the International Long-Haul Fleet Strategy for Air Seychelles which includes the lease of two Airbus A321 XLR aircraft as the preferred solution for long-haul expansion. The A321 XLR aircraft is believed to have better projected profitability, operational efficiency, and alignment with the airline’s existing fleet compared to A330-800 NEO. Cabinet also authorised coordination among relevant agencies on the development of a Coetivy alternate airport.
